Method to prevent container rotation associated with a capping machine

ABSTRACT

An anti-rotation method ( 50, 52, 53, 55 ), used to hold containers ( 10 ) such as beverage bottles, usually after they are filled and while being capped, involves providing a container with a neck portion having an optional lip, where there is a series of interior or exterior notches ( 22, 30, 40 ) around the lip ( 20 ) or neck portion ( 16 ) of the container; contacting the neck portion of the container with a locking plate ( 24 ) that has protrusions ( 26, 40 ) or indentations ( 32 ) that are insertable into or fit around corresponding notches in the container neck or lip, and the plate ( 24 ) fits around the container and is connected to a capping machine; and locking the plate such that a releasable anti-rotation clamping action is applied to the container.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to holding containers for capping machines that apply caps to beverage containers. This holder prevents rotation of the container during bottling.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Capping machines are well known in the art and are used to apply caps to containers. For example, capping machines are used to apply plastic or metal caps to plastic, glass, and metal beverage and other type containers. Beverage containers are often provided as bottles and may have wide bottle openings or narrow bottle openings. Capping machines must be able to apply caps to both “wide mouth” and “narrow mouth” bottles. Examples of prior art capping machines are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,345,800, 5,157,897 and 5,490,369 (Volker, McKee et al. and Ellis et al. respectively). Capping machines known in the art generally include turrets that are used to apply the caps to the bottles. Capping turrets presently used in the art are typically cast as one-piece castings. Such one-piece castings are expensive to fabricate and require a substantial lead-time for their manufacture. Modular turret cages for capping machines are described in U.S. Ser. No. 10/151,284, (Docket No. 01-3551) filed on May 20, 2002 and based on a provisional application Serial No. 60/333,611, filed on Nov. 27, 2001.

[0003] Container rotation is a major problem associated with all methods of capping. During the method of applying a screw-on or other type closures or caps, the bottle/container must be held still from spinning in order to screw down the cap on the thread system until the cap is considered tight enough or is sealed. In doing so in a high speed production situation, a method must exist in order to keep bottle from rotating (spinning) during closure application.

[0004] The two common methods to prevent rotation during capping are: (1) use of a knife plate, that engages with the bottle neck and has sharp knife protrusions or conical spikes that dig into, for example, a plastic bottle neck. Its weakness is that the knife edge or spikes become dull after use and damage the bottle neck, creating a sharp burr that makes for an uncomfortable situation for consumer upon removing closure. (2) an engaging device that locks into the side, base or bottom of the bottle. Its weakness is that bottle heights vary and engaging is then compromised. Also during the base engaging process, the base of the bottle of which it stands on can be damaged. When this occurs, the bottle falls over, possibly causing a domino effect to all other packages on the line. This base clamp system is limited to only petaloid based packages, that is containers that have five feet (or base bumps) and are primarily used by the carbonated soft drink industry. An example of one type clamping mechanism is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,696,144 (Bankuty et al.)

[0005] In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide an anti-rotation method to be used in association with the capping operation of a capping machine. It is a further object of this invention to provide containers without burrs at the neck portion and without damaged bottom portions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The above objects are accomplished by providing a method to prevent container rotation associated with a container capping machine, adapted to apply a cap to a container neck where the method comprises the steps: (a) providing a container with a neck portion having an optional lip, where there are a series of interior or exterior notches around or in the neck portion of the container; and (b) contacting the neck portion of the container with at least one radial plate having locking elements which are insertable into or fit around the series of notches, which radial plate is disposed horizontally, substantially about the neck portion of the container; and then (c) locking the at least one radial plate to the neck portion of the container such that a releasable anti-rotation clamping action is applied to the neck portion of the container during capping, such that the container is immobilized during capping. After capping, the radial plate(s) will be released. The invention also comprises an anti-rotation plate, associated with a container capping machine adapted to apply caps to container necks, having an optional lip associated with the necks of the container, where the anti-rotation plate comprises: at least one radial plate having a locking means which are insertable into or fit around a series of interior or exterior notches around or in the lip or neck portion of a container, which plate is disposed horizontally, substantially about the neck portion of the container and is lockable to the neck portion of the container capping machine such that a releasable anti-rotation clamp can be applied to the neck portion of the container during capping, such that the container is immobilized during capping.

[0007] The present invention does not utilize or need any anti-rotation clamp at the body or bottom of the beverage container. The locking elements or means are usually male teeth on the top portion of the radial plate or on the interior side portion of the radial plate which contacts and holds the container. The notches are esthetically pleasing and usually provide no sharp burrs. The container can be used to hold food, automotive products—such as motor oil, soft drinks, milk and the like. The container is usually glass or plastic and the radial plate is preferably a corrosion resistant hardened metal material. The caps themselves can be either metal or plastic. In almost all cases the container will be filled before contact with the radial plate(s). In some instances, this operation can immobilize the container for filling as well as closure. There should be complete mating of the container notches with the plate locking elements with minimal clearance to ensure a tight fit. During contact/locking, the container will be in a vertical position and the radial plates in a horizontal position relative to the container.

[0008] Further details and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description read in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] In order to further describe the invention the following non-limiting drawings are provided in which:

[0010]FIG. 1 is a plan side view of a glass or plastic bottle beverage container illustrating the location of prior art top knife plate or bottom engaging anti-rotation means;

[0011]FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the neck portion of a beverage container, such as that illustrated in FIG. 1, showing a series of female/interior notches around the lip of the neck portion of the beverage container;

[0012]FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view from the bottom of FIG. 2A showing the neck cross-section and the interior notches in the bottom of the lip of the neck portion of the beverage container;

[0013]FIG. 2C is a three dimensional view of one of the male radial anti-spin plates having a locking feature, here top plate teeth are insertable into the notches in the bottom of the lip of the neck portion of the beverage container;

[0014]FIG. 3A is a three dimensional side view of the neck portion of a beverage container, showing a series of male/exterior notches around the neck portion of the beverage container;

[0015]FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view through the male/exterior notches shown in FIG. 3A;

[0016]FIG. 3C is a three dimensional view of one of the female radial anti-spin plates having a locking feature, here female indentations in the interior neck contacting portion of the plate;

[0017]FIG. 4A is a three dimensional side view of the neck portion of a beverage container, showing a series of female/interior notches within the lip of the neck portion of the beverage container;

[0018]FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view through the lip of the beverage container showing interior notches in the lip;

[0019]FIG. 4C is a three dimensional view of one of the male radial anti-spin plates having a locking feature, here male teeth at the interior side, neck contacting portion of the plate; and

[0020]FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the method of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Referring now to FIG. 1, a container 10, such as, for example, a beverage—soft drink, juice, milk—container, or a container for automotive products, foods and the like is shown having a top, a neck portion 16 which may contain threads 17 as shown, and a bottom 18. In the past a variety of means have applied pressure and/or engagement at points 12 or 21, usually at point 21 near the underside of the container lip 20. The lip 20 shown enlarged for the sake of clarity, where an outer circumference 19 is also shown. The top, or enclosure (not shown) is threaded on threads 17. FIG. 2A shows one type of container neck that can be used in this invention in association with a locking radial plate, where there are a series of interior female radial notches 22, which can be of any shape or number, within the bottom side of the lip 20 of the neck portion 16 of the container. The notches shown have a triangular cross-section but a square or other cross-section that can lock can also be used. FIG. 2B shows a view through the neck 16 looking up at the bottom 21 of the lip 20. Again, a front view of the notches 22 can be seen indented, molded or cut into the lip bottom 21.

[0022]FIG. 2C shows the radial plate 24 which can be mated to the neck portion shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B in the anti-rotation method of this invention. The plate 24 contains a locking means or elements, here triangular protrusions 26, jutting out at the top 27 of the plate 24. Again, the notches shown have a triangular cross-section but a square or other cross-section that can lock can also be used. Usually two radial plates provide a good anti-rotation clamping action, but three or more can also be used, depending on the diameter of the neck. The plate itself is metal. The plate is attached to a metal component of the associated capping machine during capping operation through, for example, the holes 29 shown. The plate 24 will fit closely to the bottom 21 of the lip 20 and protrusions will tightly engage the notches 22 during capping operations, so the container is immobilized.

[0023]FIG. 3A shows another type of container neck that can be used in this invention in association with a locking radial plate, where there are a series of exterior male notches or protrusions 26 which can be of any shape or number around the circumference of the neck portion 16 of the container 10. The notches shown here a triangular cross-section but a square or other cross-section can also be used. FIG. 3B shows a view through the neck 16. A view of the notches 30 can be seen protruding from the neck portion of the container.

[0024]FIG. 3C shows the radial plate 24 which can be mated to the neck portion shown in FIGS. 3a and 3B in the anti-rotation method of this invention. The plate 24 contains a locking means or elements, here triangular female indentations 32 within the side 25 of the plate 24 where there is an interface with the container. Usually two radial plates provide a good anti-rotation clamping action, but three or more can also be used, depending on the diameter of the neck. The plate itself is metal. The plate is attached to a metal component of the associated capping machine during capping operation through, for example, the holes 29 shown. The plate 24 will fit closely to the neck portion 16 of the container and the indentations 32 will tightly engage the notches 30 during capping operations, so the container is immobilized.

[0025]FIG. 4A shows yet another type of container neck that can be used in this invention in association with a locking radial plate, where the lip 20 is involved as in FIGS. 2A-2C. Here a series of female radial notches 40, which can be of any shape or number, within the side exterior circumferences 19 of the lip 20 of the neck portion 16 of the container. FIG. 4B shows a view through the lip 20 of the female notches 40. The notches shown have a triangular cross-section but a square or other cross-section can also be used.

[0026]FIG. 4C shows the radial plate 24 which can be mated to the neck portion 4A and 4B in the anti-rotation method of this invention. The plate 24 contains a locking means or elements, here triangular protrusions 42 jutting out of the plate 24 where they will interface with the neck portion of the bottle on the side 25. Usually two radial plates provide a good anti-rotation clamping action, but three or more can also be used, depending on the diameter of the neck. The plate itself is metal. The plate is attached to a metal component of the associated capping machine during capping operation through, for example, the holes 29 shown. The plate 24 will fit closely to the circumference 19 of the lip 20 and the protrusions 42 will tightly engage the notches 40 curing capping operations so the container is immobilized.

[0027]FIG. 5 is a flow chart schematically illustrating the method of this invention. There, 50 is the container that is provided/made by molding, extrusion or the like to have a container neck portion which will have a series of interior or exterior notches around or in the lip or neck portion of the container. In 51, a filling operation can be performed where the container is filled with solid or liquid material, such as a soft drink or solid food or the like. This could involve some sort of filling/dispensing machine or the like.

[0028] The filled or unfilled container is then passed to the container capping machine shown by dashed lines 55 where the container is contacted at 52, with/by the at least one radial plate previously described and illustrated in FIGS. 2C, 3C and 4C, which show 3 possible embodiments of the plate. The plate is then locked at 53 into the notches of the container so that there is a complete mating of the container notches with the plate locking elements. This locking provides a releasable anti-rotation clamping action or force to immobilize the container. In some operations, after the container is immobilized, as here by the clamping action, it will be filled. At 54 the container top, cap or closure is applied. At 56 the radial plate is released and the container will pass out of the capping machine for labeling, packaging or the like. As mentioned previously, the radial plate is attached to or associated with the capping machine by any appropriate means. During contact/locking at 52,53 the container is in a vertical position and the radial plate(s) are in a horizontal position.

[0029] Having described the presently preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention may be otherwise embodied within the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method to prevent container rotation associated with a container capping machine adapted to apply a cap to container neck where the method comprises: (a) providing a container with a neck portion having an optional lip, where there are a series of interior or exterior notches around or in the lip or neck portion of the container; (b) contacting the neck portion of the container with at least one radial plate having locking elements which are insertable into or fit around the series of notches, which radial plate is disposed horizontally about the neck portion of the container; (c) locking the at least one radial plate to the neck portion of the container such that a releasable anti-rotation clamping action is applied to the neck portion of the container, such that the container is immobilized.
 2. The method of claim 1, where the container is filled before step (2).
 3. The method of claim 1, where after step (3) the container is capped.
 4. The method of claim 1, where the radial plate is a corrosion resistant hardened metal, and there is complete mating of the container notches with the at least one radial plate.
 5. The method of claim 3, where after capping the at least one radial plate is released.
 6. A method to prevent container rotation associated with a container capping machine adapted to apply a cap to a container neck where the method comprises: (a) providing a container with a neck portion having a lip, where there are a series of interior notches within the bottom side of the lip of the neck portion of the beverage container; (b) contacting the lip portion of the container with at least one radial plate having locking elements which are insertable into the lip notches, which plate is disposed horizontally about the lip and neck portion of the container; (c) locking the at least one radial plate to the lip and neck portion of the container such that a releasable anti-rotation clamping action is applied to the lip and neck portion of the container during capping, such that the container is immobilized during capping.
 7. The method of claim 6, where after step (3) the container is capped and the at least one radial plate is released.
 8. The method of claim 6, where the radial plate is a corrosion resistant hardened metal, and there is complete mating of the container notches with the at least one radial plate.
 9. A method to prevent container rotation associated with a container capping machine adapted to apply a cap to a container neck where the method comprises: (a) providing a container with a neck portion where there are a series of exterior notches around the circumference of the neck portion of the beverage container; (b) contacting the neck portion of the container with at least one radial plate having locking elements which fit around the notches, which plate is disposed horizontally about the neck portion of the container; (c) locking the at least one radial plate to the neck portion of the container such that a releasable anti-rotation clamping action is applied to the neck portion of the container during capping, such that the container is immobilized during capping.
 10. The method of claim 9, where after step (3) the container is capped and the at least one radial plate is released.
 11. The method of claim 9, where the radial plate is a corrosion resistant hardened metal, and there is complete mating of the container notches with the at least one radial plate.
 12. A method to prevent container rotation associated with a container capping machine adapted to apply a cap to a container neck where the method comprises: (a) providing a container with a neck portion having a lip, where there are a series of interior notches within the exterior circumference of the lip of the neck portion of the container; (b) contacting the lip portion of the container with at least one radial plate having locking elements which are insertable into the lip notches, which plate is disposed horizontally about the lip and neck portion of the container; (c) locking the at least one radial plate to the lip portion of the container such that a releasable anti-rotation clamping action is applied to the lip portion of the container during capping, such that the container is immobilized during capping.
 13. The method of claim 12, where after step (3) the container is capped and the at least one radial plate is released.
 14. The method of claim 12, where the radial plate is a corrosion resistant hardened metal, and there is complete mating of the container notches with the at least one radial plate.
 15. An anti-rotation plate, associated with a container capping machine adapted to apply caps to container necks, having an optional lip associated with the necks of the container, where the anti-rotation plate comprises: at least one radial plate having a locking means which are insertable into or fit around a series of interior or exterior notches around or in the lip or neck portion of a container, which plate is disposed horizontally, substantially about the neck portion of the container and is lockable to the neck portion of the container capping machine such that a releasable anti-rotation clamp can be applied to the neck portion of the container during capping, such that the container is immobilized during capping. 